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Learn how to prevent Lyme disease in dogs, recognize symptoms early, and protect your pet from tick-borne illness with effective tick prevention.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Learn why parasite prevention for dogs and cats is essential year round. Understand how fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworms affect pets and how veterinary preventive care protects their health.

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

Poison exposure is one of the most common and preventable causes of emergency veterinary visits. This guide outlines the most common sources of pet poisoning, warning signs to watch for, and steps you can take to protect your pet.


Poison Prevention in Pets: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Bad breath is one of the most common signs of dental and oral disease in dogs and cats. While it is often dismissed as normal, persistent odor from the mouth is almost always an indication of an underlying issue.

Bad Breath in Pets: What It Means and When to See the Veterinarian

Understanding how oral bacteria contribute to widespread health complications helps explain why consistent dental care is essential for long term wellness.

How Dental Disease Impacts Heart, Kidney, and Lung Health in Pets

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<h3 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2"><strong>What Is Leptospirosis</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="line-height: 27px">Leptospirosis is a disease that most dog owners have either never heard of or it sounds familiar, but they’re not sure what it is. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause liver and kidney failure in dogs and can be contracted by humans. Leptospira is most commonly found in wet environments and is commonly shed in the urine of wildlife. Your dog can be infected with leptospires either directly through infected tissue (i.e., a dead animal) or secretions (most commonly urine) and can also be contracted through indirect contact from contaminated water, soil, or food. Common routes of infection include drinking contaminated water or entering the body through a cut or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or <strong>mouth</strong>). Once leptospires enter the environment, they can live for months in the soil and are easily washed into bodies of water, including puddles.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2"><strong>Diagnosing Leptospirosis</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="line-height: 27px">Leptospirosis in dogs can be hard to diagnose because the clinical signs are often nonspecific. Common clinical signs include lethargy, fever, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. Often, elevated kidney and/or liver values will also be seen on <strong>bloodwork</strong>. Your veterinarian may be suspicious of leptospirosis based on clinical signs, vaccination status, and the likelihood of your dog being exposed to it. If your veterinarian is suspicious of leptospirosis, they will probably recommend specialized blood and urine testing.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2"><strong>Treatment For Leptospirosis</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="line-height: 27px">If your dog is positive for leptospirosis, treatment with <strong>antibiotics</strong> will be started, since it is a bacterial disease. Additional treatment will be needed if there is kidney or liver injury, which may include hospitalization with supportive care. Your veterinarian may also recommend that you contact your physician about possible exposure. The sooner that leptospirosis is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of recovery.</p><p dir="auto" style="line-height: 27px"></p><p dir="auto" style="line-height: 27px">There are many different serovars (strains) of Leptospira. Vaccines are available that protect against the four most common serovars that cause leptospirosis in dogs. No vaccine is 100% effective, and there is the possibility that your dog could come into contact with a less common serovar. When possible, try to limit your dog’s contact with dead animals, wildlife, and stagnant water.</p><p dir="auto" style="line-height: 27px">When detected early, leptospirosis can have a good outcome with proper treatment and supportive care. Discuss with your veterinarian if your dog is at risk and if <strong>vaccination</strong> is appropriate for your dog. Leptospirosis can be fatal, and there is the possibility that you could get infected by your dog.</p>

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can cause liver and kidney failure in dogs and can be contracted by humans. Leptospira is most commonly found in wet environments and is commonly shed in the urine of wildlife. 

What Is Leptospirosis And How It Can Affect Your Dog?

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A sudden limp. A skipped meal. A look that says something's off. When your pet isn't feeling right, same-day answers make all the difference. 

Urgent Care

Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and a powerful tool in managing weight, energy, chronic conditions, and even behavior.

Pet Nutrition

When pets act out, there's almost always a reason. Anxiety, fear, medical conditions, or past trauma can show up as barking, biting, hiding, or destruction. Our job is to uncover the cause and help your pet feel safe again.

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Skin issues are one of the most common reasons pets end up at the vet, and they're also some of the most frustrating. Allergies, infections, or even food sensitivities can all cause your pet discomfort.

Dermatology & Allergy Care

When your pet needs medication, trust and convenience matter. At (), we prescribe and dispense medications directly from the team whos seen your pet, knows their health history, and understands their specific needs.
No guessing, no delays, and no unnecessary confusion.


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Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. When that time comes, you deserve clarity, comfort, and the space to make decisions with peace of mind.

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Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate healing and reduce pain in animals.

Laser Therapy

Emerald Hills Animal Hospital offers professional pet grooming by Iain Pizik, ensuring your pet looks and feels their best. Services include bathing, nail trimming, haircuts, and styling, with options for cat shaving, cosmetic ear trimming, and tail docking upon request. A clean, well-groomed pet is a happier, healthier companion.

Grooming in Hollywood FL

Emerald Hills Animal Hospital provides safe, comfortable, and personalized boarding for your pets while you are away. Our caring staff ensures every guest receives individual attention, including special dietary or medical accommodations. With a welcoming environment and attentive care, you can relax knowing your furry friend is in good hands.

Boarding in Hollywood FL

Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

Wellness Exams

Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

Dental Care

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

Parasite Prevention

Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

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Comprehensive surgical services, from routine procedures to complex operations, all are performed with expert care.

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When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

Diagnostic Testing

When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.


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Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health. It helps prevent certain cancers and infections, curbs unwanted behaviors, and reduces the number of orphaned pets in shelters.

Spay And Neuter

Discover hidden dental issues before they cause pain with pet dental radiology at (). Our veterinary dental X-rays reveal infections, bone loss, and tooth damage beneath the gum line, ensuring safer, more effective treatment. Non-invasive and included in every comprehensive dental cleaning, dental radiographs for pets help protect your pet's health, comfort, and smile for years to come.


Dental Radiology

Permanent ID for Peace of Mind. A collar can come off. A tag can get lost. But a microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof way to make sure your pet always has a way home. At (), we offer safe and simple microchip implantation, so your pet stays connected to you, no matter what.

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What Is Leptospirosis And How It Can Affect Your Dog?

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What Is Leptospirosis And How It Can Affect Your Dog?

Recent Blogs

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What should I do if my pet shows signs of illness?

Do you offer pet dental care services?

How often should I bring my pet to the vet for a check-up?

What are the most common health issues for senior pets?

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